SYSTEM failures and vandalism are the reasons behind lift breakdowns in People’s Housing Project (PPR) Pekan Kepong, says Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).
There were eight cases of lift breakdowns reported last December in the three-block PPR built 25 years ago, it said in a statement.
“The breakdowns reported in block A on Dec 22, 23, 26 and 29 last year were caused by issues with the lifts’ brake switch system. No breakdowns were reported in block B.
“Meanwhile, the lift breakdowns in block C on Dec 2, 3, 4 and 19 were caused by issues with the landing door contact system and vandalised hall call buttons. The former has since been recalibrated,” City Hall said.
In a StarMetro article titled “Irked by frequent lift failure at Pekan Kepong flats” on Jan 3, it was reported that some of the new lifts in the PPR, installed under a three-phase replacement exercise by DBKL, had broken down.
The lifts started operating in mid-December.
Besides urging DBKL to closely monitor the lifts’ condition, residents expressed concern about whether the contractor could finish the job before May, which was the expected completion date.
DBKL said the second batch of new lifts are currently being installed and expected to be inspected by the Department of Occupational Safety and Health at the end of February.
“Phase 3 is expected to begin in early March, after the second batch of lifts are handed over to residents.
“DBKL will impose liquidated ascertained damages on the contractor if it fails to meet the May deadline,” it added.
DBKL also said the lifts installed during Phase 1 were still covered under the defects liability period and are still being fine-tuned.
“The contractor will immediately address any technical issues that arise.
“DBKL is committed to carefully monitoring the project’s progress and ensuring that work is completed in accordance with the standards and timeframe stipulated for the comfort, safety and well-being of residents,” the statement said.
